Golden Retriever

So, you read THE WATCHER a dozen times, you've seen the Golden Retriever working as a guide dog, and now you long for a Golden Retriever puppy of your own.

However, before you bring one of these cuddly yellow fuzz balls home, you need to be sure a Golden Retriever dog is really the right one for you and your family.

The Golden Retriever is a big, muscular dog, weighing in at 55 to 75 pounds and standing 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. This dog breed has a broad skull, which may be why a Golden Retriever is so intelligent.

Coat colors range from a deep, honey colored gold to a light gold that is almost white. The palest gold or darkest gold colors are considered to be undesirable, as are any white patches or markings.

Did you know that the Golden Retriever breeders originally used them as working dog? They are members of the Sporting Group.

The Golden Retriever and People

These dogs are high energy animals and need plenty of exercise, especially a Golden Retriever puppy of less than three years of age.

This desire to keep busy is one reason that the Golden Retriever rescue dog is so popular, or as a Seeing Eye, or drug sniffing dog. If you do not keep them occupied, they will discover ways to entertain themselves, such as eating your complete shoe collection.

If you are an avid gardener, you will need to be sure you have a separate area where you can contain your dog, since the Golden Retriever loves to dig. While they are going through their puppy stage, they are also prone to chewing up shrubs.

If you have small children, you may want to consider whether a Golden Retriever puppy will be too rough for them. Although adult Goldens are superb family dogs, puppies can be quite mouthy and rowdy. They may accidentally knock toddlers down while they are playing.

Since the Golden Retriever is a large dog, you may need to consider the cost of food before buying your puppy. These dogs eat a lot. Also, since the Golden Retriever is prone to hip dysplasia, you may want to ask your veterinarian about feeding your puppy food that is especially formulated to help large breeds flourish properly.

If you do buy a Golden Retriever puppy when you have small children, you will need to find time to teach him good manners quickly. You may want to attend obedience classes with him, so that he is used to other dogs and people and learns how to act when he is outside the house. Training your puppy before he is too strong for you to control easily is a good idea.

The Golden Retriever and Health

These dogs eat a lot. Also, since the Golden Retriever is prone to hip dysplasia, you may want to ask your veterinarian about feeding your puppy food that is especially formulated to help large breeds flourish properly.

The Golden Retriever and Grooming

The Golden Retriever needs frequent grooming to keep it's coats from tangling. You will need to pay specific attention to the area behind your dog's ears, as it is prone to developing large mats.

Regular grooming will also help you alleviate dog hair on furniture, which can be quite heavy when your dog is shedding his coat. In addition, you will need to have sufficient time to check your dog for ticks after he goes for a romp in the park or other grassy and wooded areas.

If you still feel that this is the breed for you, be sure to look for a good breeder to buy your puppy from. A healthy, good tempered Golden Retriever makes a wonderful, intelligent companion.